3rd Generation Specific (1993-2002) 1993-2002 Discussion including performance modifications and Technical Support Sections.
Sponsored by:

EXCESSIVE Vibration after engine swap

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Dec 13, 2012 | 08:14 AM
  #1  
revsteve's Avatar
Thread Starter
Gettin' By
Tenured Member 15 Years
iTrader: (6)
 
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,487
Likes: 0
From: Rockville, MD
EXCESSIVE Vibration after engine swap

So before I swapped out my engine, I got almost NO vibration through the car.

Now that my swap is done, i have a TON of vibration especially above 4500 RPM.

I added the following during the build that is different than before:
- IRP Engine Mounts (street version)
- Engine Torque Brace
- Hi-Flo Cat
- Diff Brace

I assume the vibration is coming from the mounts, but i keep reading how they are only "slightly" stiffer than stock. Maybe its everything combined (the cat resonates fairly loudly especially at high RPM).

Anyway - I wanted to gather some input on why the vibration is now SIGNIFICANTLY worse given what I've added. It really takes away from the driveability of the car.

Steve
Reply
Old Dec 13, 2012 | 08:16 AM
  #2  
allrotor93's Avatar
Lives on the Forum
Tenured Member 15 Years
iTrader: (126)
 
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 6,703
Likes: 3
From: Cary, NC
The engine mounts will cause some
Reply
Old Dec 13, 2012 | 08:20 AM
  #3  
Copeland's Avatar
32psi+
Tenured Member: 15 Years
iTrader: (42)
 
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,323
Likes: 40
From: Raleigh, NC
Sounds like the combination of new mounts causing additional vibration. It could also be the swapped engine was shady but let's hope it's the mounts
Reply
Old Dec 13, 2012 | 08:23 AM
  #4  
fendamonky's Avatar
F'n Newbie...
Tenured Member: 15 Years
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (6)
 
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,942
Likes: 323
From: Nokesville, Va
Originally Posted by revsteve
So before I swapped out my engine, I got almost NO vibration through the car.

Now that my swap is done, i have a TON of vibration especially above 4500 RPM.

I added the following during the build that is different than before:
- IRP Engine Mounts (street version)
- Engine Torque Brace
- Hi-Flo Cat
- Diff Brace

I assume the vibration is coming from the mounts, but i keep reading how they are only "slightly" stiffer than stock. Maybe its everything combined (the cat resonates fairly loudly especially at high RPM).

Anyway - I wanted to gather some input on why the vibration is now SIGNIFICANTLY worse given what I've added. It really takes away from the driveability of the car.

Steve
Out of curiosity, who did your rebuild?
Reply
Old Dec 13, 2012 | 08:27 AM
  #5  
Copeland's Avatar
32psi+
Tenured Member: 15 Years
iTrader: (42)
 
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,323
Likes: 40
From: Raleigh, NC
Does the vibrating taper off in the higher RPM's? Such as, between 4500 and 6500 it's severe but then it's moderate above 6500?
Reply
Old Dec 13, 2012 | 08:43 AM
  #6  
revsteve's Avatar
Thread Starter
Gettin' By
Tenured Member 15 Years
iTrader: (6)
 
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,487
Likes: 0
From: Rockville, MD
Mazda did my rebuild Its a reman from Ray.

@Ledge - it does not taper off between 4500 & 6500 - it gets worse.

@AllRotor - if its the mounts, you wanna trade a set of stockers for my 60 mile old IRP mounts?
Reply
Old Dec 13, 2012 | 08:53 AM
  #7  
txfdr2's Avatar
Full Member
iTrader: (5)
 
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 228
Likes: 0
From: Spring, Tx
start by taking off your torque brace. its easy to remove and (my opinion) they are not really needed if you have a good set of motor mounts... if its the culprit, you won't miss it.

Also. If your mounts are poly, try loosening the bolts on them. They more you tighten them, the stiffer they get.

Good luck.
Reply
Old Dec 13, 2012 | 09:10 AM
  #8  
revsteve's Avatar
Thread Starter
Gettin' By
Tenured Member 15 Years
iTrader: (6)
 
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,487
Likes: 0
From: Rockville, MD
I will try removing the TB. The bolts are tightened to IRP's direction (barely flattening the red bushings). The only way to tighten them less would be to take them off!

I guess im gonna have to drop & swap various parts until it sorts out.
Reply
Old Dec 13, 2012 | 09:11 AM
  #9  
adam c's Avatar
Cheap Bastard
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 8,370
Likes: 50
From: San Luis Obispo, Ca
Some people say their poly mounts are not so bad. Those people are mostly 18 years old and dont care about comfort. Poly mounts will never ride like the stock mounts.
Reply
Old Dec 13, 2012 | 09:19 AM
  #10  
fendamonky's Avatar
F'n Newbie...
Tenured Member: 15 Years
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (6)
 
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,942
Likes: 323
From: Nokesville, Va
Originally Posted by revsteve
@AllRotor - if its the mounts, you wanna trade a set of stockers for my 60 mile old IRP mounts?
If you want to you're welcome to pop down to Alexandria this weekend. I have a pristine set of stockers that i was going to use on my new motor (putting it in this weekend). You're welcome to try them to isolate the issue.

At the very least that will be faster/cheaper than shipping stuff.
Reply
Old Dec 13, 2012 | 09:27 AM
  #11  
Fritz Flynn's Avatar
All out Track Freak!
Tenured Member: 20 Years
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (263)
 
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 10,672
Likes: 413
From: Charlottesville VA 22901
I have some good stock mounts that are like new you can have for 325 shipped.

If you aren't drag racing or road racing you don't need any of that junk.
Reply
Old Dec 13, 2012 | 09:33 AM
  #12  
jetlude's Avatar
BadAss DoItYourselfer
Tenured Member: 15 Years
iTrader: (9)
 
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 870
Likes: 4
From: Paradise
Does it also vibrate during free revving?
Reply
Old Dec 13, 2012 | 09:34 AM
  #13  
revsteve's Avatar
Thread Starter
Gettin' By
Tenured Member 15 Years
iTrader: (6)
 
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,487
Likes: 0
From: Rockville, MD
Originally Posted by fendamonky
If you want to you're welcome to pop down to Alexandria this weekend. I have a pristine set of stockers that i was going to use on my new motor (putting it in this weekend). You're welcome to try them to isolate the issue.

At the very least that will be faster/cheaper than shipping stuff.
That sounds like a good plan. Do you have the tools to help me swap them out? I have them in my garage but I can't bring all that with me.

Also - would you be interested in a trade for some new poly mounts?
Reply
Old Dec 13, 2012 | 09:40 AM
  #14  
revsteve's Avatar
Thread Starter
Gettin' By
Tenured Member 15 Years
iTrader: (6)
 
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,487
Likes: 0
From: Rockville, MD
Originally Posted by Fritz Flynn
I have some good stock mounts that are like new you can have for 325 shipped.

If you aren't drag racing or road racing you don't need any of that junk.
Thanks Fritz but no thanks! Too much money given what i've spent on the rest of the build.
Reply
Old Dec 13, 2012 | 09:41 AM
  #15  
revsteve's Avatar
Thread Starter
Gettin' By
Tenured Member 15 Years
iTrader: (6)
 
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,487
Likes: 0
From: Rockville, MD
Originally Posted by adam c
Some people say their poly mounts are not so bad. Those people are mostly 18 years old and dont care about comfort. Poly mounts will never ride like the stock mounts.
Adam - I don't expect them to but i didn't expect this much vibration. So many others have been pleased with the IRP mounts so I want to eliminate all the other things before swapping them out.
Reply
Old Dec 13, 2012 | 09:42 AM
  #16  
fendamonky's Avatar
F'n Newbie...
Tenured Member: 15 Years
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (6)
 
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,942
Likes: 323
From: Nokesville, Va
Originally Posted by revsteve
That sounds like a good plan. Do you have the tools to help me swap them out? I have them in my garage but I can't bring all that with me.

Also - would you be interested in a trade for some new poly mounts?
All we should really need is a jack and stands. Otherwise it can be done with a basic socket set and wrenches I believe.

I've got a jack and one set of stands, also have tools needed for a full rebuild here, so should jabbed it covered.

Honestly I'd prefer to use my stock mounts with this build (I went from bad stock mounts to polity mounts, to solid mounts. Now that i have good stock mounts I'd rather give them another go). It should still help you diagnose the source though

I just hope that your oil pan doesn't start leaking from it..
Reply
Old Dec 13, 2012 | 09:45 AM
  #17  
revsteve's Avatar
Thread Starter
Gettin' By
Tenured Member 15 Years
iTrader: (6)
 
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,487
Likes: 0
From: Rockville, MD
Well good thing I have that banzai brace.

PMming you now
Reply
Old Dec 13, 2012 | 10:24 AM
  #18  
Fritz Flynn's Avatar
All out Track Freak!
Tenured Member: 20 Years
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (263)
 
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 10,672
Likes: 413
From: Charlottesville VA 22901
Originally Posted by revsteve
Thanks Fritz but no thanks! Too much money given what i've spent on the rest of the build.
Given what you've spent on the build motor mounts are not the place to cut corners

Just giving you hard time and hopefully you and Levi can get it sorted out

Originally Posted by fendamonky
All we should really need is a jack and stands. Otherwise it can be done with a basic socket set and wrenches I believe.

I've got a jack and one set of stands, also have tools needed for a full rebuild here, so should jabbed it covered.

Honestly I'd prefer to use my stock mounts with this build (I went from bad stock mounts to polity mounts, to solid mounts. Now that i have good stock mounts I'd rather give them another go). It should still help you diagnose the source though

I just hope that your oil pan doesn't start leaking from it..
Stock or mazdacomp mounts are the only way to fly
Reply
Old Dec 13, 2012 | 10:31 AM
  #19  
XLR8's Avatar
Eats, Sleeps, Dreams Rotary
iTrader: (52)
 
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 3,902
Likes: 10
From: NJ
Originally Posted by jetlude
Does it also vibrate during free revving?
I second this question...

I have the IRP "race" mounts or harder durameter of the two options. I feel barely any vibration, in fact, my car drives and rides quite smooth.

The culprit could be a few things.

1. When you re-attached the PPF, did you make note of the placement of the nuts? I have heard of excessive vibration being caused from binding the PPF causing the tranny to arc more which in turn causes excessive vibration from the driveshaft

2. Did you change the clutch, flywheel, or tranny during the swap? If something isn't mated correctly or tight, it could cause this.

3. I would remove the torque brace and the diff mount first. You said EXCESSIVE vibration which seems unnatural caused by a common mod like poly engine mounts. However, all 3 combined just might cause this. If I had to keep one, it would be the engine mounts. The others help, but poly engine mounts are a very common mod and likely the most beneficial for stability.
Reply
Old Dec 13, 2012 | 10:38 AM
  #20  
revsteve's Avatar
Thread Starter
Gettin' By
Tenured Member 15 Years
iTrader: (6)
 
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,487
Likes: 0
From: Rockville, MD
[QUOTE=XLR8;11315781
1. When you re-attached the PPF, did you make note of the placement of the nuts? I have heard of excessive vibration being caused from binding the PPF causing the tranny to arc more which in turn causes excessive vibration from the driveshaft[/QUOTE]

Do you mean the Driveshaft into the diff? If so, yes I noted the position of the nuts and believe I put them back on properly. I suppose I could try rotating the drive shaft around to find a smoother fit if thats the case.

Originally Posted by XLR8
2. Did you change the clutch, flywheel, or tranny during the swap? If something isn't mated correctly or tight, it could cause this.
Yep - new clutch (ACT Street/Strip) but OEM flywheel and same tranny. Clutch feels fine and works great so I doubt its a mating thing.

Originally Posted by XLR8
3. I would remove the torque brace and the diff mount first. You said EXCESSIVE vibration which seems unnatural caused by a common mod like poly engine mounts. If I had to keep one, it would be the engine mounts. The others help, but poly engine mounts are a very common mod and likely the most beneficial for stability.
I'll try both of these as they are easy to remove before going any further as they are the easiest to do!
Reply
Old Dec 13, 2012 | 10:45 AM
  #21  
R-R-Rx7's Avatar
Rotor or no motor
Tenured Member: 15 Years
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (24)
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,739
Likes: 495
From: Limassol, CYPRUS
IRP mounts wont cause all that vibration ur refering to. i have their hard version and they work just fine..

Something is left loose i bet you... OR that engine brace you installed it causing it

Diff mounts ALSO will not cause any vibrations.. I used OEM, Aluminum and nylon and i dont see any difference

Check if the clutch is aligned properly.. gonna have to to remove the tranny first of course

Actually for the engine mounts i had a much harder mount (KSP ATTAIN SEMI RIGID MOUNTS) and there was zero vibrations
Reply
Old Dec 13, 2012 | 11:16 AM
  #22  
GoodfellaFD3S's Avatar
Original Gangster/Rotary!
Veteran: Army
Tenured Member: 25 Years
Liked
Loved
iTrader: (213)
 
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 30,793
Likes: 646
From: FL-->NJ/NYC again!
Feel free to PM or text me anytime you need help, big Steve..... or just call so I can hear your silky smooth voice

I doubt it's the mounts, as those speaking from personal experience have already mentioned. Personally I'd lose the Engine Torque Brace first, I had one way back in the day and promptly decided they are 100% unnecessary. My money is on that being the cause.

I'd also look at drivetrain components, to include examining the clutch through the inspection plate while someone free-revs the engine. Also, if you have a PFC, do the knock readings go haywire when this happens?
Reply
Old Dec 13, 2012 | 02:30 PM
  #23  
revsteve's Avatar
Thread Starter
Gettin' By
Tenured Member 15 Years
iTrader: (6)
 
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,487
Likes: 0
From: Rockville, MD
Thumbs up

Originally Posted by GoodfellaFD3S
Feel free to PM or text me anytime you need help, big Steve..... or just call so I can hear your silky smooth voice

I doubt it's the mounts, as those speaking from personal experience have already mentioned. Personally I'd lose the Engine Torque Brace first, I had one way back in the day and promptly decided they are 100% unnecessary. My money is on that being the cause.

I'd also look at drivetrain components, to include examining the clutch through the inspection plate while someone free-revs the engine. Also, if you have a PFC, do the knock readings go haywire when this happens?
Rich - I was trying to hide this from you Im tired of bothering you for my stupid questions. It makes me feel like I should have brought the car to you to begin with!

I'll remove the ETB then check out the clutch during rev, but what should I be looking for? And yes, I have a PFC. I'll check the knock readings and get back to you. What is the range that is good/bad or is it just variance from the baseline?
Reply
Old Dec 14, 2012 | 03:40 AM
  #24  
RotaryOtakU's Avatar
Mr. Question
Tenured Member 10 Years
iTrader: (3)
 
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 133
Likes: 1
From: Berlin, GER
I had a similar problem after I've had my diff changed a while ago.

We looked at everything but couldn't find the culprit until the mechanic looked at the driveshaft where a little metal sheet (the balance weight) used to stick on the surface. It's really easy to ovelook as it's really small.

When he took off the driveshaft off he must have hitten something against it and it fell off. So we looked for a little piece of metal cut it into shape (you could see the shape of the original weight because it left outlines on the surface) and welded it on the driveshaft.

e voila there we had professionally balanced drifeshaft without any vibrations

Last edited by RotaryOtakU; Dec 14, 2012 at 03:45 AM.
Reply
Old Dec 14, 2012 | 08:02 AM
  #25  
DaleClark's Avatar
RX-7 Bad Ass
Tenured Member: 20 Years
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (56)
 
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 15,622
Likes: 2,723
From: Pensacola, FL
^That's possible, but a driveshaft vibration will only show up when driving down the road and the driveshaft is spinning. If it vibrates like hell free-revving it, it's not the driveshaft.

Is it possible the engine is out of balance? The rotors, front counterweight, and rear counterweight or stock flywheel make the balance assembly. If you had a wrong counterweight or the rotor's weight codes were too far apart you could have bad vibration.

Dale
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:59 AM.